By Chris Hoover/Doha
Julian Smart trained Theeb (Amer-Akie Croix Noire) staved off the challenge of Gayth to win the Rodat Al Maida Cup, the main event of races yesterday at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, which was held under the patronage of HE Brigadier Khalid bin Hamad al-Attiyah, president of the Arab and Qatar Police Sports Federation.
President of the Arab and Qatar Police Sports Federation HE Brigadier Khalid bin Hamad al-Attiyah and QREC chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani are seen with the winners of the Rodat Al Maida Cup at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday
The sparingly raced Theeb thus recorded his second victory during the season. Jockey Darryl Holland rode a neat race on the winner.
There was an objection raised by the rider of the second placed Gayth for interference in the final 200 metres. This was quickly over ruled by the Stewards and the order of placings remained the same.
“Theeb has come back well from an injury a couple of years ago. Since then he has won two races this season and a couple in the previous season. This is a nice little Cup for us before next week’s classics. He is a great horse and I think he relished the sand track,” trainer Smart told the Gulf Times.
On Theeb’s participation in the classic next week, Smart said. “Theeb has been entered to run in the International next week but I think the mile trip would be a little sharp for him on the turf. He is a better horse on the sand track. We are going to give a couple of days and see how he comes out of this race and then take a call on his participation.”
Trainer Smart had a word of praise for his jockey Darryl who did well to win the feature event. “Darryl has been a top jockey in Britain for a long time and we appreciate that he is getting on horses for Al Shahania. He is a brilliant rider and we are glad to have him to ride for our stable.”
Jassim al-Ghazali trained Inside shed her maiden status with a commanding victory in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate. Jockey Gerard Avranche had no difficulty in getting the Ghazali trainee to go past the front running Colours Of Fall on turning for home. Inside then skipped away to record an impressive winto record her first success in seven outings. La Romantique moved aggressively from behind to take the second place ahead of Cidra.
Hassan al-Matwi’s Jalmoud Al Jazeera had to wage a stiff battle before kicking clear in the hands of jockey Marvin Suerland in the local bred Pure Arabian Handicap. Al Yarmouk essayed a strong challenge to Jalmoud Al Jazeera but the Matwi ward had enough reserves to pull away. Jabar came from the rear to finish an impressive third.
Jockey Darryl Holland rides Theeb to victory in the Rodat Al Maida Cup at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim
QREC retained jockey Pier Convertino drove out Montfjord to a fine win over Jaaeyza in the 1,800 metres Thoroughbred Handicap, a race for horses rated 0 to 60. Jaaeyza (Marvin Suerland up) had established an useful lead and was hailed as a winner. But Convertino brough Montfjord into contention and a grueling battle ensued between the duo. The poser packed finish from Convertino ensured victory for the Mohammed Khalid trainee.
Majid Safedeen saddled Itsher had given indication of turning out into a top class sprinter when she finished a close second to Diamond Laura in her previous outing. Taking on some noteworthy contenders, Itsher proved her class with a runaway victory in the Thoroughbred Stakes for Fillies and Mares. Jockey Darren Williams settled Itsher in the front and dictated the pace of the race to her 11 opponents. On entering the homestretch, the daughter of Diktat smoothly accelerated and went away for a facile win. Diamond Laura was a well beaten second, while Baraari was a close third.
RESULTS
1st race: Inside (Gerard Avranche) 1, La Romantique 2, Cidra 3, Colours Of Fall 4. Won by: 4, 1 ¼, 3. Time: 1:53.86. Trained by: Jassim al-Ghazali. Owned by: Khalid Yahya al-Khusaal
2nd race: Jalmoud Al Jazeera (Marvin Suerland) 1, Al Yarmouk 2, Jabar 3, Jouraas Al Naif 4. Won by: 1 ½, 2 ½, Nk. Time: 1:57.72. Owned and trained by: Hassan Ali Hassan al-Matwi
3rd race: Montfjord (Pier Convertino) 1, Jaeeyza 2, Salt Man 3, Aztlan 4. Won by: 3, 1 ¼, 1 ¼. Time: 1:53.06. Trained by: Mohammed Khalid. Owned by: Mansoor Khalil al-Mansouri
4th race: Itsher (Darren Williams) 1, Diamond Laura 2, Baraari 3, Good Morning Dubai 4. Won by: 5, Hd, 2. Time: 1:09.46. Trained by: Majid Safedeen. Owned by: Ali bin Saeed al-Nuami
5th race: Theeb (Darryl Holland) 1, Gayth 2, Al Moutwakel 3, Saint De Faust 4. Won by: 1, Distance, 2 ½. Time: 2:01.80. Trained by: Julian Smart. Owned by: Sheikh Kahlifa bin Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani